Women’s water polo to face USC in high-stakes game

As the women’s water polo team walked out of the pool and into the locker room after practice on Tuesday, the excitement for its game against crosstown rival USC was palpable.

This excitement came from more than just keeping the rivalry alive. It came from knowing that, at least for the seniors, this would be the last time they compete in their own Spieker Aquatics Center.

“We’re doing it for the seniors. It’s their last home game, so we’re just giving it everything we have. Knowing that this is their last game at home is pretty special,” said sophomore attacker Danielle Ferraro.

However, UCLA realizes the challenge USC might pose.

“They’re good competition, they’re good players, and we have to be able to test ourselves against other good competition,” said coach Brandon Brooks.

The battle between No. 2 USC and No. 4 UCLA could become aggressive, as both teams play a fast-paced game and are fighting to snag – or in the case of USC, keep – the second seed.

“We have strong players, we are a fast team, we have a very good goalie, but ’SC is a very good team as well,” Brooks said.

“Last time it was a (close) game, so that tells you that both teams are capable of scoring, both teams are good defensively, and both teams are top-level.”

The UCLA-USC rivalry has been on the seniors’ minds throughout their careers, as they have competed against the Women of Troy in major games, losing in last year’s NCAA tournament, but winning the year before that. This game will give the Bruins a chance to redeem themselves.

Today, if the Bruins win by three goals, they will clinch the second seed. But that will not be their main focus.

“Of course you always want to beat ’SC, but it’s just a building block towards a championship so we can learn a lot. Even if we lose, we can learn so much from it, so it’s a win-win,” said redshirt sophomore goalie Sami Hill.

Regardless of the outcome, this game will serve as yet another test of the Bruins’ ability to contend in the upcoming championships – which they said is their main focus.

Less than two months ago, the Bruins went head-to-head with the Women of Troy in a close game, losing by a single goal, but they are not the same teams they were in February.

Since then, both teams have grown and been successful.

However, Hill made it clear that they are not looking at previous achievements or downfalls, as they play through this final match and help send their seniors off with a gratifying win at home.

“We’re focusing on what we’re going to be doing in this game, and not the past,” said Hill in regard to their last matchup against USC.

“We’ve grown so much as a team since that game so I think it will be a good match.”

The stakes are high and the team will have to focus on playing its game to overcome its emotions, more so for the seniors who will play their final game at Spieker today.

“It’s going to be emotional and I feel like emotions are going to be running really high, especially because we’re going to be losing some of our girls after this season,” Hill said.